But Aguero had other ideas and, having rocketed home a brilliant solo goal, turned provider for Stevan Jovetic to make it 2-1 six minutes before half-time.

Suddenly struggling to repeat the defending that earned a goalless draw against Chelsea on Saturday, Gus Poyet’s men were pegged back further as Pablo Zabaleta added a third goal not long after the interval.

And Aguero was back on centre stage in the 71st minute, converting coolly to wrap up a comfortable night’s work for City.

The visiting side went into the game under a cloud of defensive issues with skipper Vincent company injured and Eliaquim Mangala suspended after his dismissal in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Southampton.